There has been little to celebrate for Legon Cities, as the Royals suffered relegation to Ghana’s Division One League.
However, amidst the club’s struggles, a few standout players offered glimpses of quality, reminding fans and observers alike of their individual talent and potential.
One such standout is Joseph Amoah.
Who is Joseph Amoah? I hear you ask.
Well, dear readers, he is a young left-back who has reportedly caught the attention of Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko.
Amoah has reportedly agreed a four-year-deal with the Porcupine Warriors and could be unveiled as the club’s new signing in the coming days.
There is so much to learn about the young player, and a wee factoid about the young prospect seems to be in order if we are able to understand why the Kotoko hierarchy are keen to get him.
For Kotoko fans looking to learn more about their rumoured target, here is a look at six things you need to know.
He was born and raised Ayigya Zongo
Amoah was born and raised in Ayigya Zongo, a suburb of Kumasi located within the Oforikrom constituency. A former student of Sakafia Islamic Senior High School, he began his football journey with lower-tier side Benab FC before making the move to Legon Cities last season.
Playing style
Amoah is a left-back by trade but one whose greatest strength comes in attack, so much so that he has often been deployed as a wing-back in order to maximise his qualities. He's well suited to that role because of his supreme athleticism and stamina.
He loves to get on the ball and is a very progressive passer, always looking to get the ball forwards. He is also known for his wicked deliveries into the box. Defensively, he holds his own well in one-on-ones, with his recovery pace often bailing him out if an attacker gets past him.
He has been modelling his game on Robertson
They say you should never judge a player by their nickname, but when your nickname is 'Robertson', you're setting a pretty high bar for yourself.
Amoah’s moniker presumably comes from his eagle-eyed vision, tenacity and strength. His pace is outrageous and often means he can push high up the pitch and cause nightmares for opposition defences.
He can play in a Number of different positions
Few things are as comforting to a manager (real or virtual) as casting an eye to the bench and seeing an absolute Swiss Army knife of a footballer, a one size fits all utility man willing and able to come on and adapt to the game in a just about any position without so much as a shrug.
Aside from being a left-back, Joseph Amoah is able to play as a left-winger, attacking midfielder or as a defensive midfielder with effortless ease.
The new Kotoko man has dominated opponents in both positions since turning professional. He has also been known to fit into the right wing-back role if needed.
It’s frightening to consider quite how good he could become if he continues what has already been a seismic rise to the top of world football... in whatever position he wants. Handy.
His stats at Legon Cities
Since joining the Royals last season, Amoah has made a significant impact, scoring four goals,registering eight assists and earning three Man of the Match awards in 24 appearances during his debut campaign. In the ongoing season, he has continued to impress, having already provided six assists.
Hearts were interested in signing him
The Porcupine Warriors were not the only club that tracked the talented left-back, with earlier reports indicating strong interest from their domestic rivals Accra Hearts of Oak.
The reports further stated that the young player had agreed to join the Phobians but the deal fell through due to a break in negotiation allowing Hearts’ rivals, Kotoko to hijack the deal.
The 21-year-old was also reportedly attracting attention from clubs in Ethiopia, Rwanda, and South Africa, as well as unnamed sides in Sweden and Denmark.
